Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. Each year, 1.5 million people die from its complications. But scientists at the University of South Australia have found a new key to preventing the disease. It turns out that sea cucumbers can be a key product in the fight against diabetes.
Glycation end products (GEFs) are proteins and fats that interact with sugars and increase the risk of diabetes and its complications. Scientists have previously speculated that blocking KPGs can reduce the risk of diabetes, but to date there is no cure for this.
However, biologists at the University of South Australia have discovered that dried sea cucumber can effectively bind substances that increase the risk of diabetes. This discovery could be the basis for a functional food product to help fight diabetes and its complications.
“Our results provide compelling evidence that sea cucumbers could form the basis of a functional food product to fight diabetes and its complications,” the scientists said.
Nearly 60 percent of all cases of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented by making diet and lifestyle changes. Sea cucumbers could be one of the key foods in preventing the disease.
